Heating element mounting features for a cook top appliance

ABSTRACT

A retention system with mounting features for a heating element of a cook top appliance is provided. The mounting features include a spring member that can properly position and support the heating element below the cook top surface. These mounting features, including the spring member, contribute to a low profile that can be used to reduce the overall height or thickness of the cook top so as to allow for increased oven space (where the cook top is included in a range) or increased cabinetry space (where the cook top is installed e.g., as a separate appliance from an oven).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to the mounting of a heating element in a cook top appliance or an appliance that includes a cook top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cook top appliances generally include one or more heating sources onto which food or utensils containing food may be placed for cooking The heating sources may be powered by gas or electricity. Electrically powered units may include radiant or induction based heating sources. The cook top may consist of a stand-alone unit that is e.g., incorporated into cabinetry or it may be part of a range that includes an oven. With electrically powered heating sources, the cook top may be provided with a top surface that is essentially flat and onto which cooking utensils may be directly placed. Such cook top surface may be provided with art work that e.g., identifies the location of the heat sources that are concealed immediately below the cook top surface.

Generally speaking, reducing the height or thickness of the cook top appliance can provide advantages in space savings. For example, where the cook top is incorporated into a range, such reduction may improve the space available below the cook top so that oven cavity space can be increased or double oven cavities provided. Increased oven cavity space can be a very desirable feature for certain consumers. Where the cook top is not incorporated into a range, the increased space could be used to enlarge e.g., the storage space in cabinetry located below the cook top.

Certain challenges exist, however, with reducing the height or thickness of the cook top. Conventionally, in the case of electrically based heating sources such as e.g., radiant heating elements, the support structures that have been used to support such heating elements have disadvantages. These support structures position the heating elements under the cook top surface while usually allowing for access to the heating elements in the event repair or replacement is necessary. Unfortunately, such conventional structures are typically large and bulky—consuming a significant amount of space below the heating element that adds to the overall thickness or height of the cook top. Additionally, the support structures can be difficult to manufacture and sometimes require the application of special tools and/or substantial application of force for installation. Such structures also may not provide assistance with the positioning, including centering, of the heating element into the proper location below the surface of the cook top.

Accordingly, a cook top appliance that can have a reduced height or thickness would be beneficial. More particularly, mounting features for one or more heating elements that can be used to reduce the overall height of the cook top would be particularly useful. Mounting features that can help simplify the manufacturing process for a cook top—particularly the installation and centering of the heating elements—would also be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a retention system for a heating element of a cooktop appliance. The system includes a frame defining an opening for complementary receipt of the heating element. The frame includes a lip extending around the opening to partially surround the heating element. The lip defines an aperture along one side of the opening and a groove along an opposite side of the opening. An elongated, spring member extends across the heating element between the aperture and the groove of the lip. The spring member has a first end extending into the aperture and a second end extending into the groove. The spring member provides support to the heating element.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a cook top appliance having at least one heating source for applying heat to a food. The heat source has a bottom surface. A frame is provided that defines at least one opening for mating receipt of the heating source. The frame has a top side and a bottom side. A cuff extends from the bottom side of the frame in one or more portions. The cuff defines an aperture at one side of the opening and a groove along another side of the opening. A cook top surface is positioned onto the top side of the frame. A spring member extends across the at least one opening of the frame and is connected between the aperture and the groove. The spring is configured for pressing the heating source against the cook top surface.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a range appliance of the present invention that includes a cook top and a double oven.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view, as seen from the bottom of an exemplary embodiment of a cook top, of an opening in the cook top frame where a heating element will be installed.

FIG. 3 illustrates the same perspective view as FIG. 2 except a heating element is now installed into the opening and secured with an exemplary embodiment of a retention system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one end of the exemplary spring member in the installed position as seen from the bottom of the cook top.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another end of the exemplary spring member, which is also in the installed position as seen from the bottom of the cook top.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the same end of the exemplary spring member as shown in FIG. 4, as positioned on the frame on the bottom of the cook top.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spring member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides mounting features for a heating element of cook top appliance. The mounting features include a spring member that can properly position and support the heating element below the cook top surface. These mounting features, including the spring member, contribute to a low profile that can be used to reduce the overall height or thickness of the cook top so as to allow for increased oven space (where the cook top is included in a range) or increased cabinetry space (where the cook top is installed e.g., as a separate appliance from an oven).

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

An exemplary embodiment of an oven range 100 of the present invention is provided in a perspective view in FIG. 1. Range 100 includes a cook top 102 as well as double oven cavities that are accessed with handles 112 and 114 of doors 108 and 110. The oven cavities of range 100 provide e.g., for baking and broiling while cook top 102 can be used e.g., to apply heat to cooking utensils such as pots and pans containing food items. As such, cook top 102 includes a plurality of heat sources positioned under cook top surface 106—the positions of which are identified by artwork or other heat element indicia 104 on cook surface 106.

Range 100 includes a user control panel or interface 116 having a variety of touch controls 120 and a display 118 for operation of range 100. Controls 120 allow e.g., the user to select temperatures or heat settings for the oven cavities, heat settings for the heating elements of cook top 102, time of operation for one or both oven cavities, and/or a variety of other operations of range 100. Display 118 can provide e.g., the temperature of one or both oven cavities, the settings for one or more heating elements of cook top 102, a clock, one or more alarms, and/or a variety of other features as well.

User interface 116 can have various other configurations and controls that can be mounted in other configurations and locations other than as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, user interface 116 may be located within a portion of the range 100 near cook top 102 as shown. Alternatively, user interface 116 may be positioned on a vertical surface near a front side of the cooktop 102 or anywhere convenient to a user during operation of the cooktop. User interface 116 may include capacitive touch controls 120 as shown and/or a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads may also be used singularly or in combination with the capacitive touch controls 120.

User interface 116 and controls 120 are in communication with one or more processing devices or controllers. Such processing device(s) may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an induction cooking system. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor may execute programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the bottom of cook top 102. As shown, cook top 102 includes a frame 124 having a top side 162 that is attached to cook top surface 106. By way of example, the top side 162 of frame 124 may be adhered to cook top surface 106 and/or connected using other fasteners as well.

Frame 124 defines an opening 164 for the complementary receipt of a heating element 166 as shown in FIG. 3. Opening is defined by a lip or cuff 128 extending from the bottom side 160 of frame 124 in a direction away from cook top surface 106. As shown, cuff 128 does not extend completely around and, as such, heating element 166 is only partially surrounded by cuff 128 in this exemplary embodiment. However, other configurations for cuff 128 may be used that do extend completely around or, alternatively, that are provided by one or more portions partially surrounding heating element 166.

As shown in FIG. 3, for this exemplary embodiment of the retention system of the present invention, heating element 166 is held in place by a spring member 122 that extends across opening 164 and a bottom surface 136 of heating element 166. Referring now to FIG. 7, for this exemplary embodiment, spring member 122 is shown as an elongated member that can be made e.g., from steel. Spring member 122 includes a mid-section 150 that extends between legs 146 and 148. As shown in its non-tensioned condition in FIG. 7, mid-section 150 includes four bends 152, 154, 156, and 158 that help spring member 122 to apply the proper amount of pressing or support force against the bottom surface 136 of heating element 166 when installed as shown in FIG. 3. Bends 152, 154, 156, and 158—along with the material of construction selected—help determine the amount of force required to install spring member 122. As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, a different number of bends may be used to e.g., affect the amount of force provided by spring member 122 against heating element 166. Also, while FIG. 7 depicts spring member 122 as an elongated band, other constructions may be used such as e.g., a wire.

Continuing with FIG. 6, each leg 146 and 148 is configured at an angle a that is substantially perpendicular to the adjacent portion of mid-section 150. However, other values for angle a may be used as well. Spring member 122 includes a first end 138 extending from leg 148 and a second end 142 extending from leg 146. A tab or boss 134 extends from the center of mid-section 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, certain features are provided in order to secure spring member 122 into position across opening 164 and heating element 166. FIG. 5 illustrates aperture 140 into which the first end 138 of spring member 122 is inserted. FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate an L-shaped groove 144 into which second end 142 of spring member 122 is slidably received.

Accordingly, as part of the manufacturing process of range 100, heating element 166 is placed into the opening 164 provided by frame 124. The bottom or support side surface 136 is provided with positioning indicia 132—shown in this embodiment as a plurality of numbers. These numbers help ensure that heating element is properly oriented (e.g., rotated correctly) within opening 164 to e.g., match the appearance of heating element 166 with artwork or other indicia on cook top surface 106.

Once heating element 166 is properly oriented in opening 164, spring member 122 is positioned by inserting first end 138 into aperture 140. A force is then applied to press spring member 122 against bottom surface 136 while inserting boss 134 into an indentation 130 on bottom surface 136. Boss 134 and indentation 130 help ensure that heating element 166 is properly centered in opening 164. Next, second end 142 is pressed placed down into L-shaped groove 144 and slid over under arm 168 to lock spring member 122 into place. A notch 170 on second end 142 helps maintain and secure second end 142 into L-shaped groove 144.

Of course, while the installation of only one heating element 166 using mounting features and spring member 122 is described above, such mounting features may be used with each of the heating elements of range 100 as desired. Additionally, because of the low profile of spring member 122—basically assuming the same shape as the bottom of heating element 166 once installed, more volume or space is left below cook top 102 that can be used to increase the volume of one or more oven cavities in range 100. Alternatively, where cook top 102 is installed in e.g., cabinetry as a stand-alone appliance, additional space is provided for compartments in the cabinetry.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retention system for a heating element of a cooktop appliance, comprising; a frame defining an opening for complementary receipt of the heating element, said frame including a lip extending around the opening to partially surround the heating element, the lip defining an aperture along one side of the opening and a groove along an opposite side of the opening; and, an elongated, spring member extending across the heating element between the aperture and groove of the lip, said spring member having a first end extending into the aperture and a second end extending into the groove, said spring member providing support to the heating element.
 2. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein the heating element has an indentation along a support side surface, and where said spring member further comprises a boss positioned in the indentation of said heating element.
 3. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 2, wherein the spring member has a center at which the boss is positioned.
 4. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein the heating element has a support side surface, and wherein said spring member is configured to apply a pressing force against said support surface.
 5. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said spring member is configured to press against said lip at the aperture and the groove.
 6. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said spring member further comprises a middle section extending between two legs, and wherein each of said legs is substantially perpendicular to said middle section.
 7. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said heating element has a support side surface containing indicia for positioning said heating element relative to said frame.
 8. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said groove has an L shape.
 9. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said spring member comprises a steel wire.
 10. A retention system for a heating element as in claim 1, wherein said spring member further comprises a middle section having at least three bends when in an un-tensioned condition.
 11. A cook top appliance, comprising: a heating source for applying heat to a food or utensil, said heat source defining a bottom surface; a frame, said frame defining at least one opening for mating receipt of said heating source, said frame having a top side and a bottom side; a cuff extending from the bottom side of said frame in one or more portions, wherein said cuff defines an aperture at one side of said opening and a groove along another side of said opening; a cook top surface positioned onto the top side of said frame; and, a spring member extending across the at least one opening of said frame and connected between the aperture and the groove, said spring configured for pressing the heating source against the cook top surface.
 12. A cook top appliance as in claim 11, wherein said spring member comprises an elongated metal band having a first end extending into said aperture and a second end extending into said groove.
 13. A cook top appliance as in claim 12, wherein said heating source and said spring member are connected together in a complementary manner at one or more locations along the bottom surface of said heating source.
 14. A cook top appliance as in claim 13, wherein said spring member further comprises a middle section extending between legs that are substantially perpendicular to said middle section.
 15. A cook top appliance as in claim 12, wherein the bottom surface of said heating source defines an indentation and said spring member comprises a boss that is received into the indentation.
 16. A cook top appliance as in claim 15, wherein the groove of said cuff has an L shape.
 17. A cook top appliance as in claim 15, wherein said spring member further comprises a middle section having at least two bends when in an un-tensioned condition.
 18. A cook top appliance as in claim 11, wherein said spring member comprises a steel wire. 